Lin-Manuel Miranda — the creator of Hamilton and the upcoming mixtape influenced by the play’s soundtrack — recently appeared on Marc Maron’s legendary WTF podcast. He talked about his beginnings in music, hip-hop and theater, and while doing so, they discussed how often theater is a place kids could go as a “safe haven” from the jocks and school bullies.
Miranda, who grew up in Washington Heights in New York City, went on to tell Maron about his bout with bullying in high school.
It turns out, his high school bully was rapper Immortal Technique. They both went to Hunter College High School together for a couple years.
Miranda said he doesn’t have a grudge against Immortal Technique and he’s happy he found a successful outlet for his anger.
“He’s one of the most political, ideological [rappers], he really made an incredible life for himself as a rapper. He was a really angry kid and it’s been wonderful to watch him grow up and find a political outlet for that anger.”
He also remembered that, even though he was the “school bully,” he still wanted a part in one of the school’s plays — and he got it.
“He got a part senior year [in the school play] and I was like, ‘Oh my god, I’m in a fucking play with the dude that scares the shit out of all my friends.”
The world — and even New York City — is very, very big, but they’re so damn small at the same time.
Head to Marc Maron’s website to listen to the full podcast, and fast-forward to the 38-minute mark to listen to Miranda talk about his experience.
